Today my walk was dedicated in honor of :
Army SGT Douglas J. Riney, Age 26 of Fairview, IL.
KIA Oct. 19, 2016 Operation Freedom’s Sentinel
SGT Riney was assigned to the Support Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas
SGT Riney died of wounds received after encountering hostile enemy forces in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Riney entered active duty service in July of 2012 as a petroleum supply specialist and was last assigned to the Support Squadron, 3rd Calvary Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas since December 2012. He had previously deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from July 2014 to February 2015, and also deployed from June 2016 to October in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, four Army Achievements Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three campaign stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and NATO Medal.
He was a graduate of Spoon River Valley High School, member of the Vintage Church in Texas, a proud volunteer firefighter of the Fairview Fire Department, avid Green Bay Packers Football Fan, a BMX bicycle rider with many awards and trophies, avid motorcycle rider and loved to hunt and fish.
We had a great 7.87 Mile walk today. We walked out in the country and then came out on 127 and walked back to Sparta Hwy. What beautiful weather. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping me honor this hero. We had 310 honks today. Thank you.
Army SGT Douglas J. Riney will not be forgotten !
